Chapter 11 - The Shadow of the Commission
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the tall arched windows of the grand study,
casting long golden rays across the polished dark walnut desk.
Dominic sat in his heavy leather chair,
his dark eyes scanning a thick velvet folder bound with silver thread.
It bore the raised wax seal of the Syndicate Commission,
the shadow governing body that held authority over all five ruling families in the northeastern territory.
Ruby stood near the library shelves,
holding a dust cloth,
though her eyes kept returning to the tense line of Dominic’s shoulders.
The quiet between them was no longer cold or empty,
yet today it carried the heavy weight of impending judgment.
"They are calling a full tribunal,
" Dominic said softly,
his deep voice cutting through the silence like a dull blade.
"Don Vito Vance has summoned me to the High Council chamber in Manhattan."
Ruby stepped closer,
setting her dusting cloth down on a mahogany side table.
"Because you put an end to Julian Moretti's harassment?" she asked,
her brows furrowing in concern.
"Because I broke protocol,
" Dominic corrected,
looking up to meet her warm brown eyes.
"Julian was a sanctioned boss under the Commission's protection."
"Defeating him so publicly disrupts their balance of power."
"And Don Vance does not tolerate anything he cannot control."
Dominic reached out,
taking Ruby’s hand in his own,
his thumb tracing the soft skin of her knuckles.
"Word has reached the council about you,
Ruby."
"They consider a maid who speaks her mind to be a liability to my leadership."
Ruby raised her chin proudly,
a fierce spark igniting in her eyes.
"Let them think whatever they want."
"I didn't ask for their permission to exist,
"
"and I certainly don't need their approval to stand beside you."
Dominic let out a low,
intense breath,
pulling her gently toward him until she stood between his knees.
He rested his forehead against her stomach,
feeling the steady warmth of her body,
finding solace in her solid presence.
"Vance wants me to attend the annual Red Velvet Charity Gala tomorrow night,
" Dominic whispered against the fabric of her sweater.
"It is a public display where the Commission evaluates every leader's strength."
"If I go alone,
they will assume I am weak and ashamed."
"If I bring you,
they will view it as a direct challenge to their old traditions."
Ruby ran her fingers gently through his thick dark hair,
massaging the tension from his scalp.
"Then we give them a challenge they will never forget,
" she said softly.
"You spent ten years hiding in silence because you thought it kept you safe."
"It's time to show those old men that the Vale empire doesn't hide anymore."
Dominic raised his head,
staring up at her with a mix of awe and dangerous devotion.
"They will try to tear you down with words,
Ruby."
"High society mobsters are far more vicious with their tongues than with their guns."
Ruby smiled,
a bold,
unapologetic smile that illuminated her whole face.
"Honey,
" she said with a rich laugh,
May you like
"I grew up around real tough people who knew how to throw shade."
"A bunch of old men in expensive suits will have to try much harder than that to make me flinch."
